Any other time, you couldn’t keep me away from SXSW Interactive this week. The conference has more than ever for a marketer like me, not to mention the parties are killer. That is, when I’m not 8½ months pregnant. In my current rounded state, however, I was not ready to brave the Convention Center or navigate the late-night parties. Lucky for me, I don’t have to miss the fun. I’m “attending” SXSW in a whole new way this year and invite you along for the ride (and just because it’s #sxswi, let’s do this Twitter-style)…
@AustinAMA (of which I’m blessed to be a past president and still know and love the folks running the show these days, like @myerman, @rmilder, @zangieb, @incslinger and many others) capitalized on the big names in Austin this week and hosted a luncheon yesterday with social media pioneer @GuyKawasaki. His presentation on “How to use Twitter as a Weapon” was practical and terrific and will be a huge asset for our clients’ social media programs.
At the luncheon, I reconnected with @cjromb, co-owner of Wildwood Interactive in Austin. I discovered she’ll be recapping many #sxswi sessions on her blog, so stay tuned to hear the Gadget Girl’s thoughts on all things SXSW.
Of course, there is always good old Twitter itself. Since I follow lots of marketing and interactive types, my Twitter timeline has been jam-packed with updates, snip-its and opinions. For example, apparently the much-anticipated keynote by Twitter CEO @ev was a disappointment. Sounds like another case of poor interviewing. Interestingly, the backlash against Mark Zuckerburg’s interviewer at SXSW a few years back started on Twitter and erupted into “real life” in the meeting room, prompting lots of media coverage and buzz for Twitter’s viability. Can you say #irony?
Am I disappointed I won’t get to see all the SXSW presentations firsthand and connect with others interested in marketing’s next big thing? A little. But following along with my feet propped up in a spacious, air-conditioned office sure is a close second!